Is it well?
One of my favorite old hymns is the song ‘It Is Well.’ It so eloquently peruses the trials of life, the joys, the victories, the rejoicing we have in Christ through it all.
But do we truly believe that it is well?
When all is right in our little corner of the world, we say with certainty that God is good! We declare that we are blessed, and we share praise of the wonderful things happening. Yet, when less than wonderful times come our way, we plead for God to fix it. Change it. Move mightily on our behalf. Through it all, however, we must remember, that it is STILL well. God is good-no matter our circumstances.
The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-12, “... I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. I know what it's like not to have what I need. I also know what it's like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough.”
How could Paul have endured so much, and still rejoice? Because he understood this simple yet profound truth; God is good, regardless of our circumstances.
It’s so easy to get caught up in our situation. Unexpected bills, family trouble, health crisis, hurts, offenses, and the list goes on. We can all think of some turmoil we’ve experienced. We can all equally say that in those moments we begged God to intervene. Did we also know and declare that God is good-even still?
James 1:17 tells us “Every good and perfect gift is from God. It comes down from the Father. He created the heavenly lights. He does not change like shadows that move.” Oh, what beautiful truth! Every single thing that is good comes from our Father who loves us so deeply. Yes, difficult times come as well, but this truth we can cling to; “God is our place of safety. He gives us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble. The earth may fall apart. The mountains may fall into the middle of the sea. But we will not be afraid. The waters of the sea may roar and foam. The mountains may shake when the waters rise. But we will not be afraid.”
Psalm 46:1-3 So brothers and sister, when those times of trouble come, stand up with confidence and declare, “God is Good!” When the doctor gives a bad report of health, God is still good. When family trouble arises, God is still good. When an unexpected bill comes and the money simply isn’t available, God is still good. We can say this with confidence because God’s word promises this in Romans 8:28, “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him...” All things. Not just some things, but all things.
It can be so difficult in times of trouble to declare that it is well with us, but ultimately, our trust in God gives us peace to know that no matter what comes our way-both good times and bad, it is well with us, because God is in control. Just as His word promises. “I have told you these things so that you can have peace because of me. In this world, you will have trouble. But cheer up! I have won the battle over the world." John 16:33 Lord help us to say with confidence in all things that it is well with us, and align our hearts with Yours!
Blessings, Syndi Shoff